How to claim train delay and cancellation compensation

How to claim train delay and cancellation compensation

Claiming compensation for those extremely annoying delays or cancellations can seem like a chore and lots of people don’t bother. In fact, two-thirds of passengers don’t claim for their train delays. That’s a lot of money people are missing out on.

Trust us, it’s worth making those claims. Andy Young travels from his home in Hertfordshire to London’s City Thameslink every day and he makes between £230 and £330 each year in compensation. Similarly, Tom Burridge claimed over £1k compensation in train vouchers:

Our guide to claiming train delay and cancellation compensation

1. Make a note of the delayed or cancelled train details:
   • If delayed, how many minutes was it delayed
   • The journey date
   • The reason it was delayed or cancelled (if it was announced)
   • The train company in question
   • The station you were travelling to and from
   • What type of ticket you had (single, return, season ticket etc.)
   • Finally, hold on to your train tickets or booking reference as you’ll need them as proof

If you don’t remember the length of the delay, then take a look at the Recent Train Times website. You just need to add in the train stations you were travelling between and the dates and it will tell you the actual arrival times.

2. Most train companies have a time limit of 28 days from the delayed or cancelled journey so apply as soon as you can.

3. Use our table below to get the link to the relevant delay repay page. Or, visit National Rail’s list of train companies.

4. Once you’ve navigated your way to the compensation form, fill out the details you made a note of and upload your train tickets. You can apply for compensation via post, the delay repay page should contain the postage address you’ll need to send the compensation form to.

5. You’ll be asked how you wish to be compensated. Most train companies will offer repayment by cheque, bank transfer or travel vouchers.

It’s important to note that each train company has a slightly different repay policy. And so you don’t have to trawl through their website looking for it, we’ve created a go-to list of minimum delay times in order for you to receive compensation, the amount you could be refunded for a single journey and links to each company’s delay repay page.

Don’t let the train companies hold on to your compensation. Follow our guide, use the links below and get back your cash!